FAQ Frosh Orientation and International Student Arrival Program

What are the mandatory orientation and advising sessions for International Students?

International students (students with nonimmigrant F or J visas) must attend two mandatory university sessions in order to register for classes.

1. First, you must attend Frosh Orientation to get your course registration advising.

Academic Advising and Retention Services
academic_advising@sjsu.edu
408-924-2997

2. You must also attend the required Program for New International Students sponsored by International Programs and Services on Wednesday, August 14, 2013.

International Programs and Services
www.sjsu.edu/depts/ips
408-924-5920

What happens at Frosh Orientation?

This mandatory two day program exposes you to all that SJSU has to offer. Throughout the program Orientation Leaders will teach you about SJSU traditions, introduce you to the many resources available on the SJSU campus, welcome you to your new community and home, and help you be confident about your ability to graduate! Knowledgeable Orientation Leaders will guide you and your family through educational experiences about campus programs and services.

During the program, professional Academic Advisors, assisted by knowledgeable student leaders, will work with groups of students in similar majors to explain General Education requirements, major courses and prerequisites. You will actually register for your classes at this program.

You are required to attend the entire two day orientation and if you do not, or leave during any portion of the program, you will be blocked from registering for classes and risk having your admission revoked. All students must attend the program; parents/guardians are highly encouraged to attend.

What if I am outside the U.S. and cannot arrive until August?

You will attend the Wednesday, August 7 orientation session, which is reserved for international students who cannot attend an earlier session. You must attend Orientation before you will be allowed to register for classes and attend SJSU. You will also attend the required International Student Arrival Program on Wednesday, August 14.

What is the fee to attend Frosh Orientation?

The fee to attend is $215.00 for students and $80.00 for each parent/guardian. The student and parent Frosh Orientation fees are non-refundable. At the https://nextsteps.sjsu.edu website, students and parents/guardians will be linked out to a website to pay for Frosh Orientation. Note only credit cards are accepted. You need to submit payment for Frosh Orientation by Wednesday, May 1, 2013.

What does the Freshman Orientation fee cover?

• Programming costs
• Meals
• Parking
• Mandatory student lodging in the residence halls (one night)

What if I am admitted after the last day to register for Frosh Orientation?

An Academic Advisor in Academic Advising and Retention Services-located in the Student Services Center -- must advise you. You will add classes beginning the first day of instruction. E-mail nexsteps@sjsu.edu, and let them know you are an international student that needs to complete the "Intent to Enroll" process.

How do freshmen register for classes?

For your first semester, the only way you will be able to register is at the mandatory Frosh Orientation program. It's our way of making sure you select the correct courses and meet your undergraduate advisor.

ELM and EPT test score requirement

Important! You must be exempt from or have your ELM/EPT scores on file with SJSU in order to register for classes. You will not register for classes at orientation without them. No exceptions.

Department Placement Exams

Contact the department for specific instructions, dates and policies for placement exams in calculus, physics, foreign languages, and music.

Most of these exams are given the week prior to the beginning of the semester and some are offered several times before the term begins.

Need the Calculus Placement Exam? Most freshmen and transfer students to the colleges of Science and Engineering need to take the Calculus Placement Exam prior to registration.

For details, exemptions and other criteria, see www.sjsu.edu/math/calculus.

Once I've registered for classes, can I change my schedule?

For many students there will be restrictions on dropping required English or math courses; however, you are allowed to change your schedule after you have registered.

Freshman schedule changes will be limited until Thursday, August 1, 2013.

Must I attend the required International Student Arrival Program?

On Wednesday, August 14, 2013, International Programs and Services will sponsor a mandatory all day session for all new Fall 2013 undergraduate international students. Vital information about successful transition to SJSU and maintaining your non-immigrant legal status in the U.S. will be presented. When you complete the Intent to Enroll process, information and RSVP instructions will be posted on your MySJSU account.

Are there disability accommodations?

Orientation is wheelchair accessible. Individuals needing sign language interpreters, visual aids or other accommodations should contact The Disability Resource Center at least two weeks prior to their selected Orientation date. Need more information?

408-924-5972

orientation@sjsu.edu
www.sjsu.edu/getinvolved/orientation
www.sjsu.edu/orientation

Academic Advising and Retention Services (For Transfer Orientation)
academic.advising@sjsu.edu
408-924-2997